Peggy Annette Whitten Cole. 93, of Huntsville, Texas passed away peacefully at her home October 3, 2026. Peggy was preceded in death by her husband, John F. (Possum) Cole, parents Bob and Mattie Bell Whitten: two brothers Jackie Whitten and Billy Bob Whitten: four sisters, Doris Jean Wesson, Margie Nellie Wesson, Jane Chichester Magers, and Joan McCoy Rodgers.

She is survived by her son, John F. Cole, Jr. and wife Molly of Huntsville; daughter Lisa Cole Johnson and husband Marty of Huntsville; five grandchildren: Cole Davis, Connor Davis, Jacob Cole, Morgan Cole, Nathan Cole and two great grandchildren: Chad Davis and Adam Davis. She is also survived by numerous nephews and nieces.

Peggy was born in Greenville (Hunt Co.), Texas July 10 ,1933 to Bob and Mattie Bell Whitten and officially given the name Patsy Annette. Her father did not like the name Patsy so her unofficial name became Peggy shortly after her birth. The name Peggy stuck as she adopted it as her legal name in adulthood.

Her family moved often in order to accommodate her father's job opportunities. Her brother Jackie, was tragically killed at the age of 15, as the result of a construction accident.

Peggy was always very close to her siblings, especially her four sisters. Jane and Peggy were closest in age and being very close in size, often swapped out clothing when they were children, a habit they continued in adulthood.

Peggy and her Whitten family moved to Pasadena, Texas when she was young girl.

In 1963, Peggy met the love of her life, John F. (Possum) Cole, when she bought a used car from him. Possum and his brother Coon, owned a small used car lot, Cole Motor Company, in Pasadena during the 1960's.

Peggy and Possum moved their family to Huntsville after he and Coon purchased the General Motors dealership franchise in early 1970. The course of their lives was forever changed with that move. Leaving her family behind in Pasadena was hard for Peggy because she was so close to her beloved sisters, brother and mother. Possum had to make a lot of big promises (most kept and some infamously not) to convince her to move from the big city of South Houston to the little sleepy East Texas town of Huntsville, where the sidewalks were "rolled up at five o'clock every day", according to mom.

As a couple and as local business owners, they quickly assimilated into the community, gaining many fond friends and acquaintances over the years. Their love of Huntsville and Walker County was displayed in many ways; one example being, very active in the Walker County Fair Association as they were involved in it from its creation.

Peggy and Possum loved to entertain family and friends. Most weekends, their home was filled with family and friends, alike. Peggy was very skilled in providing a comfortable home for her family, especially with her cooking. She would always make sure her husband and children received their favorite meals, especially at dinner time.

Peggy will always be remembered for her devotion to her family and friends. She will also be remembered for her natural beauty and equally for her savvy business skills.

There will be a visitation held for Peggy at Heritage Oak Funeral Home Monday, October 12th between the hours of 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a second visitation scheduled for Tuesday, October 13th beginning at 10 a.m. and the service to begin at 11:00 a.m. All are welcome to stay for lunch immediately after the service hosted in the Northside Baptist Church gymnasium. Pastor Reagan Cooksey and and nephew William Wesson will officiate.

The family would like to say thank you to the wonderful professionals with Benchmark Home Health and Hospice and the caretakers who are with the Pat Oliphant Company.

The family has requested donations be made to the Walker County Fair Association in lieu of flowers. WCFA's mailing address is P.O. Box 1817 Huntsville, TX 77342.